**Title: 1,400 Yemenis Flee to Djibouti in 24 Hours Amid Escalating Conflict**
**Date: September 13, 2026**
In a significant surge of displacement, approximately 1,400 individuals have fled Yemen for Djibouti within a single day, according to Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Djibouti’s Minister of Economy and Finance. This mass exodus is attributed to the tightening grip of Houthi fighters in the region, particularly around the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb strait.
On Saturday, Dawaleh announced via social media platform X that the influx of refugees included 500 people who reached the coastal city of Obock after being rescued at sea. These individuals were reportedly in peril as their boats ran out of fuel while navigating the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical maritime route that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Obock, located roughly 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Yemen's coastline, has become a primary destination for those escaping the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The city has served as a transit point for refugees for several years, with many fleeing the violence that has plagued Yemen since the outbreak of civil war in 2015.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has noted that vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, are among those arriving in Djibouti. Safiya Ibrahim, the IOM's humanitarian response coordinator, indicated that more refugees are expected in the coming days as the situation in Yemen deteriorates.
The IOM has also reported that at least 46,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since fighting escalated last week. Amy Pope, the IOM Director General, expressed grave concern over the humanitarian crisis, stating, "Families are being forced to flee for the second or third time in this conflict, with almost nothing left. As fighting spreads, reaching people with lifesaving assistance is becoming harder. We urgently need safe, unimpeded access."
The recent advances by Houthi forces, including the capture of the Red Sea port city of Mocha, have exacerbated the already dire situation. Reports indicate that entire villages in districts such as Maqbanah, Jabal Habashi, and al-Maafer have been emptied as families seek safety from the escalating violence.
Djibouti, which has been a refuge for many fleeing conflict, currently hosts tens of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers. According to figures from the United Nations Refugee Agency in March 2026, there are over 36,000 registered refugees in Djibouti, predominantly from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen. The country's geographical proximity to Yemen makes it a critical point for those escaping the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
As the conflict in Yemen continues to unfold, the international community is urged to respond to the growing humanitarian needs and provide support to both the displaced populations and the host communities in Djibouti.